Quite one of the greatest beauties of Tonbridge is its cluster of old houses which adorns the High Street, and gives a character of antiquity to the place. Immediately on approaching the town one sees these exquisite gables and timber markings, which instantly transport one into another century. Yes! Tonbridge tells its own story in its silent dignity, and is really a centre to the whole surrounding neighbourhead. Today, however, we pass along peaceful and well-guarded highways, or diverge into lanes where we may saunter to our heart's content.extract from Lady Hope's English Homes and Villages published in 1909

Places and properties in Tonbridge - a directory of homes, farms, churches, schools, inns, and other places of interest that existed prior to 1900 has been compiled from Post Office directories, Kelly's directories, Trade directories, Census data, Ordnance survey maps and books of the period